hi guys, am in control of the keyboard now so here is our first postcard from the edge (J). Life at the shelter is a combination of bliss and sheer frustration. It is an idyllic location and the boys are fab but the politics around the workings of it and the delays waiting for anything to arrive or be organised are maddening at times. Still our money is going an incredibly long way here. I bought 41 pairs of shoes for 87pounds last week! If only they were for me. We have started our own mini industry making beaded jewellry, I am wearing a wedding ring and a gorgeous delicate bracelet that I made for myself. I will take a photo of them and put it on the photos page soon. Willbe another week or so before we put any photos on the web. We took all the boys on safari last week, we saw 14 rhino - one with the horn! and giraffe, water buffalo, the odd flamingo (around 2million at the last count) and lots of different kinds of antelope. Great fun though -an incredible noise that 41 over-excited boys who've rarely, if ever, been in a bus before can make! Left chicken in the back room laying an egg for us, in order to make the 1hour long trek to town to get to this computer. For those in the know, no I am not better I just clenched my teeth and went for it- aaaahhhhh! Thank you so much for all the messages on the board and for the continuous flow of texts, especially from Winnie, Cate and mum... all very much appreciated. Lisa - your trip sounds amazing, bizarrely, despite having the timeof my life living in a whole new culture I am extremely jealous (bad luck Rob it was only a bmatter of time after all!) I am wearing (cue embarrasing moment to check knickers) 'easy tiger' in a lovely pale blue today! Mum - thank you so much for your ongoing advise, I need my mum right now and you're being fab as always. Mum and Su - we are being fed huge amounts of gorgeous food (Su you would hate it!). Every day massive piles of rice, green lentils and kale, twice a week = mandazis which are like doughnuts without a layer of sugar on top....absolutely gorgeous. I am not exactly losing weight! Cate - keep the texts coming Sweetie! If we're lucky it will seem like I've never been away! I didn't understand the Adam's tuba reference...you'll have to give further details on that one. Keep to my advice re. hair dye, orange is never a good look. Abigail - hello Sweetie! thank you for the lovely huggle and snuggles. I am glad that you had a lovely time at your birthday party. Did you get any more nice presents? Are you still haveing fun on your pink bouncy castle? Alan - sad git painting in school! Thanks for text and message. How were the results? I can't believe I'm asking that but bizarrely I do care! Make the mosto f your last few days of holidays, there's a lot more school days left to come. Nik and Andy - are you nut brown now! Stupid question. We've only been here a couple of weeks and I'm already tanning despite my best efforts. Mexico sounds amazing, again jealous for some infathomable reason. Kerry - do some work.....please! Please make sure everyone gets this webaddress, Mrs J has a smarrt board I think that you can show them on. Winnie - keep texting baby girl. Your dad is so happy every time he hears from you. The gnomes sound ......interesting! Much love and hugs to all, Janet and Pete